The White House asked the U.S. Navy to make sure a warship named for late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) would be “out of sight” ahead of President Trump’s visit to Japan over the weekend, according to an email obtained by The Wall Street Journal.
The email, dated May 15, included an outline of plans for the president’s arrival, including instructions for the ship.
“USS John McCain needs to be out of sight,” the email reportedly read. “Please confirm #3 will be satisfied.”
Officials, including acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, were aware of the concern about the USS John McCain and approved measures so it would not be visible during Trump’s visit, an official told the Wall Street Journal.
The ship has been stationed at the Yokosuka Naval Base near the USS Wasp, where Trump delivered Memorial Day remarks and visited U.S. officers. The Journal also reported that sailors on the ship, who normally wear caps with its name, were given the day off when Trump gave his address.
The White House did not immediately return a request for comment from The Hill.
Later Wednesday, The Washington Post reported an anonymous White House senior aide said they did not want the destroyer in photographs and though Trump was not involved in the planning the request was made to keep him from being upset during the visit.
